The AFL has banned West Coast Eagles participant Jack Graham for 4 matches after he admitted to utilizing a “extremely offensive” homophobic slur towards a GWS opponent.
The incident occurred throughout the spherical 17 match between the Eagles and Giants in Perth this month.
Graham was discovered responsible of breaching AFL rule 2.3(a) for conduct unbecoming.
He self-reported the incident to the Eagles, who knowledgeable the AFL integrity unit on Friday.
The AFL mentioned Graham’s sanction would have been heavier had he not self-reported.
“Graham used a extremely offensive homophobic slur towards a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates individuals no matter their sexuality,” an AFL assertion learn.
“Graham has obtained a four-match sanction, with the AFL making an allowance for Graham’s self-reporting of the incident, alongside along with his non-public apology and contrition.
“Graham additionally rang the AFL CEO [Andrew Dillon] on to apologise.
“He won’t be eligible to play for the West Coast Eagles or any degree of soccer for the following 4 weeks.
“As part of the sanction, Graham may even undertake Pleasure in Sport training.”
Graham mentioned he took accountability for his behaviour.
“I’m very remorseful for the phrase I used and know such language has no place in our group or our sport,” Graham mentioned in an Eagles assertion.
“I’ve supplied my unreserved apology to the Giants participant and Better Western Sydney and would additionally prefer to publicly apologise for my remark.
“What I mentioned doesn’t replicate my values or our membership values. I made a mistake and must be higher and can show that by my actions going ahead.”
Eagles chief government Don Pyke mentioned the membership was “very upset” by Graham’s remark.
“The phrase Jack used is totally unacceptable and doesn’t align with societal and membership values,” Pyke mentioned.
“Jack understands the dangerous results feedback like these can have on others and he has been trustworthy in addressing this matter.”
AFL head of integrity and safety Tony Keane mentioned the phrase utilized by Graham was “hurtful”.
“The AFL may be very clear that homophobia has no place in our sport, nor locally,” Keane mentioned.
“We now have come a good distance as a code, however this incident demonstrates there’s a lot extra to be accomplished, and we’ll proceed to work collectively to enhance our sport as a protected and inclusive surroundings for all.
“The AFL will proceed to contemplate the precise circumstances in every incident in figuring out applicable responses.”
Three AFL gamers have been suspended for utilizing homophobic slurs throughout matches in 2024.
Gold Coast’s Wil Powell (5 matches) and Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson (three matches) have been banned within the AFL.
St Kilda’s Lance Collard obtained a six-match penalty following a slur made in direction of two Williamstown gamers in a VFL fixture.
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